Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1887-02-03
HUGHES EXPLAINS.
Why He and Smith Went to Nevada

Why He and Smith Went to Nevada.
We take from the Idaho Register the
following correspondence of p. l.,
Hughes, dated at Boise City, Jan 18th ,
81 see few of the newspapers, cspeci
ally those in Boise City, are very much
exercised about the visit of Mr. Smith
aud myself to Nevada during the recess
over the holidays, and they have taken
occasion to charge us with an attempt to
attach our territory to Nevada, calling it
crime, etc. So that in justice to Mr..
smith and myself, and in order the peo-
pie of Bingham county and Che territory
generally may not take snap judgement
upon us, l hereby give notice that upon
our return we will show plainly that our
action in this matter was consistant and
for their best interests
When the proposition was made that
if the northern counties of the territory
were annexed to Washington and admit
ed as a state, that Southern Idaho should
60 to Nevada and thereby enjoy the
rights Of statehood, the only opposition
urged against it was the statement that
Nevada was bankrupt, the state was de-
cayed ETC.; and We then having the time
and opportunity, went to Nevada to sat
isfy ourselves of her financial condition,
her resources, etc., 0his visit was made
as citizens and not as members of the les
islature) and after thorough invcstiga-
ton, and obtaining certified statement
of the condition of the state, in every
respect, we returned home entirely salts
fed that the suggestion was worth look
ing into. But during our absence there
was introduced in the council memorial
and resolution protesting against any seq.
regation Of the territory or annexation
to Nevada, and upon our return we fount
the memorial on its final passage in thu
council and we opposed it for many rea
sons. In the first place it stated mum
ber Of falsehoods, which none of its ad
vocates in the legislature, when chal-
lenged, ever attempted to deny, and ii
rt the second place it was entirely new tt
the people, and one upon which ther'
was no chance for an expression of opin
ion, nor an opportunity for the discus
sion Of the merits or dement's Of tn
proposition and knowing, as we did, tn
o great advantage to be gained by annexa
= :ion TO Nevada, we opposed the memoria
protesting against it.
Here in Boise City during the past tie
days, the question Of annexation is bein
L. discussed. with great deal of i0teres
and with every one residing outside {
90; 3D. Boise City it is being received wit
much favor. So far l have not hear
= one point made against it. The fact j
that when all the circumstances al
= known, there can be nothing said in Il
way Of argument against it, even by i
most bitter opponents. The cry, I'll
J. fair territory should not BE- dismer
bered," ave should not blout the ia
name-Idaho," "The Gem Of the Mou
It., tains," "Let us alone we are all right" 4
y Now say we are not all right by al
means but on the contrary We are I
wrong, and becoming more so eve
: year, as I will endeavor to show y
~ briefly, however, in this letter, and
la ia challenge discussion. Every county
the territory is in debt, and notwithstar
ing the ruinous rate Of taxation for cou
ty revenue 10 most counties, but few
them are holding their own. and the OF
ers are going further in debt every yea
'ov and territorial tax is already very hi
and it must be largely increased this y
% in order to meet expenses. The COVE
~ or ia his message places the deficit
n $24,5OO and this will necessitate lal
increase in the territorial levy on
counties. And now in Gods name I
what are the counties getting or W
les have they ever had in return FOX
taxation ? Simply nothing with two
son' ceptions, !. e. Bingham and Ada co
ties with the state house aud asyl,
Outside Of this there is nothing to 81
for this annual tribute they pay to
- tain the "Gem of the Mountains. 1
after twenty-three years Of existence
Territory, what have We to offer as 6
reason why We should not be annexe'
,rsst Nevada and become state? Boise
- people will tell you Eve have the car
z. building and wo gave you the insane
lnm at Blackfoot. Very good; but
owe $50, 900 for the capitol building
nm $50, 900 for the asylum We are Pc.
Ed six per cent. on this borrowed mo
,;;tv and We have a considerable debt
sides this. &